I was more along the 'build a better mousetrap' line of thought.

I've been a longtime user/critic of Microsoft, eg, but it's only in recent years that I could afford to transition to Apple. Employers also required PC-compatible's because of tools that had been built.

The makers must stay on top of their field, or they become vulnerable to being drug down by the takers.

I couldn't agree more. I'm a Systems Engineer (IT-Centric) and know that emotional-based engineering doesn't work. =) Fact-based is the only way to go, not just in Engineering but in general Life as well.

As both a chemical engineer and a materials scientist with emphasis in nanotech and energy, I am part Francisco, part Rearden, part Galt, and completely Quentin Daniels, Galt's assistant from Utah Instittute of Technology.

Oh I know. I am looking at it from already being in the Gulch. It's a familiar new world here when you can visit. I am sure the old world will collapse without producers between Moochers and Looters. But do you try to recover the stolen resources or do you take a simple job in the old world until you can build the Gulch full time? It's a matter of stages and changing orientation.

they had to give it up in the end, net

Thanks, I just kept comparing myself to Hank in almost every way but I have evolved my strategy and re-framed my reaction somewhere between Galt and Ragnar. I have the heart to be a Ragnar but I am an empire builder. Something has to be done. I like both paths.

All of the above!

by best on the globe, to what are you referring? economic freedom? we are 19th in the world.

I identify with Hank Rearden, being an engineer and not of a PC ilk. If it is the best on the globe, use it until somebody beats it. Simple concept.

I can shrug off the Nay-Sayers, as they speak from weakness while watching their fannies.

We built that!

Read the reply above yours. I put it under ELo's by mistake. Nmo

What I wanted to write under your post is that's a difficult place, mentally, to be in, and I'm sure you must struggle with that. Know there are those of us in here who feel your pain, and encourage you to shout stop, when the time is right.

ELO, sorry, that was supposed to post under khalling.

Terribly true... You just gave me an idea! Got to log off, now.. :-)

oh, ok, I understand. It is very hard to continue to build when the ones with force tear down from the foundation.

My career :( Maybe a more accurate parallel would be Hank 10 years prior to the Basic Year when he was still struggling and trying to work towards something he believed in. Yeah, that's better :)

what are you" blowing up"?

It's a vague similarity but I sit at my desk running my operation 10-12 hours a day feeling like a captain of industry, a big important industrialist, but sometimes I sit back and think to myself wow all I'm really doing is blowing stuff up.

huh? I think you'll have to explain that

are you an architect ?

I'm a Ragnar who thinks he's a Hank

Hank Reardon. I even spend considerable time in foundries. My holdings have been reduced thanks to government policies and I now await the call from Mr. Galt.

What are you waiting for? The movie? (aka, the REALITY?)

Well said!

Not yet. On my agenda, tho ;-)

Cupcakes with dollar signs. Galt Cakes.